How to Get Your Windows Repair Done Right the First Time

A severe storm or a rock thrown by the lawnmower or an accident at home could leave your windows with cracks. You may be able to get by with some temporary fixes until an Mr. Handyman of Anne Arundel and North PG professional arrives to repair the damage.

A strip of clear masking tape or packing tape will keep superficial cracks, like spider cracks, from getting worse. Tape both sides of the crack.

Frames that are Rotted

Wood rot around windows isn't just ugly and a potential safety hazard It also lowers the insulation value of your home. Rotted frames allow cold air to enter your home, and warm air to escape, costing you money. The wood that is rotting allows moisture into the frame, which causes it to degrade. This reduces the frame's ability to maintain temperatures or cool your home.

In addition, a weakened window frame will leave your home vulnerable to intruders who could easily penetrate the window to access the inside of your home. This type of damage can be prevented by repairing and rebuilding your wooden windows. Your home will become more attractive and secure.

When your wooden window sills and frames become rotten, it's important to have them repaired immediately prior to the problem spreading. Often, the first sign of rot is visible cracks in your paint, or spots of discoloration on the wood. More advanced signs of rotting will include a soft feel to the wood, or the appearance of mold on the inside of the window frames.

It is important to contact an expert immediately if you notice any of the above problems. Wood rot spreads rapidly, so the sooner it is dealt with more affordable and less it will cost to fix. If you do not address it until the entire wood has rotted away it will be impossible to repair.

In 95% of the cases, rotting frames and sills are fixable if the rot is detected early. Our technicians are highly skilled and will replace the rotting parts of the frame, giving you windows that look like new.

Muntins and Mullions

The mullions and muntins that are between the panes of your windows serve as more than just decorative elements. They also help support the glass. As such, they are a very common component of a window that can become damaged or broken. It is not a matter of whether they are real, fake or both, when your mullions or muntins are chipped, cracked or scratched, it's essential to fix them. They can make your home look less appealing.

Muntins & Mullions

Although they may look similar, and often confused (perhaps the alliteration helps) muntins, mullions and mullions are two distinct components of a window. To avoid confusion and confusion, a reputable window installation company will clarify the differences between these two parts.

Mullions, also known as dividers between glass panes, are a common component in traditional multi-pane windows. In the past they were used as a support and to separate large sheets. Today, they are a decorative and design element that provides a timeless appearance to your home.

The mullions of your windows aren't the strongest however they can provide some security. If a burglar damages a window pane then he'll probably smash the mullion in order to gain access to your home.

Putty can be used to fix broken mullions or muntins. Window repair professionals clean the surface and apply fresh putty before re-securing the mullions and muntins. It's a relatively simple window repair and should not interfere with the functioning of your windows.

There may be a problem with the frame or sashes in the event that your windows leak or fail to close and open properly. In some cases, the sashes are stuck in their frames because of broken cords or springs. They may also be too heavy or have fallen off the track. Balanced springs and weights can make a sash difficult to lower or raise.

If you have an older window with one glass pane the wood strips that keep the glass in place are called muntins or mullions. If they begin to decay, you will need to rebuild them. Window repair specialists will replace damaged muntins and mullions, without affecting the function of your windows.

The sills of older windows may not slope down enough to allow for water drainage. It is important to examine the sill and make sure that it slopes downwards, away from the home. If it's not, a new drip cap can be installed. This simple task can reduce the possibility of water infiltration.

Sashes

If your window sashes are not functioning properly, it's vital to investigate the issue. Wooden windows sashes can be affected by weather changes and the passage of time. If they do not open properly, water or air can enter the room quickly. The same thing can cause aluminum sashes become ineffective. A dampness or shivering around the windows are common symptoms of these problems.

Most of the time, sash issues result from simple wear and tear. They can often be corrected by filling the sash, sanding and re-painting. More serious issues will require the removal of the window. This is a job best left to professional window repair companies.

Disassembly of the sash begins by removing the locking pins from the top of the window frame, and taking off the sash cords. Then, take off the parting bead (vertical strips holding the upper window sash). Then take out the upper window sash. After the sash is removed, you can remove and store the hardware of the sash.

The mortise-and-tenon joints are held together with wooden pegs. Take the pegs off using pin punch and hammer. The pegs are usually larger on one side than on the other. Remove the pegs from the shorter end in order to avoid damaging the sash.

When the sash has been completely removed, you'll be able to see the pockets that support the glass panes. These pockets are often fixed by screws or Window repairs pins. They should be gently prised by a sharp knife.

The sash is then ready to be glazed with a new compound. The person who wrote the book puts the sash in bed using an easel made from wood, and then holds it against the easel while forming the compound into the shape of a rabbet or groove around the pane's opening. After the sash is dipped, it is allowed to dry for two full days before being put back together. The sash will then be treated with a homemade wood preserver made from a mixture of mineral spirits and boiled oils from linseed. This reduces the amount of draughts and also improve the ability of the window to be shut and opened.

Drip Caps

Drip caps are simple, nearly invisible caps that divert rainwater away from window frames in a storm. They are typically constructed from wood, but they may also be created from brick or another type of brick. Some drip caps are designed to be attractive some are more utilitarian in appearance. A high-quality drip cap will be resistant to the elements, and prevent water from leaking into the casings, which could cause wood rot.

A drip cap can be installed by a homeowner who has a few basic tools and some basic knowledge. Many homeowners choose to hire a contractor to install their drip cap. The drip cap should be secured to the sheathing around a window at least an inch from the trim board and the slope should be away from the window. Use galvanized nails and apply a high quality exterior grade sealant to the underside of both the sheathing and the drip cap.

Drip caps are available in bulk from home improvement stores and window Repairs retailers, or a homeowner can create them at home with a sheet of aluminum with a vice and a few simple tools. To do this, a homeowner must first pry up or remove a row of siding above the window, and then cut a drip cap to a length that is slightly larger than the window. Once the drip cap has been cut, it is put beneath the flashing tape and nailed to sheathing with galvanized nails. It is essential that the cap be nailed at both ends, and is nailed to the sheathing in such a way that it won't budge, even with the weight of the sheathing and siding that is attached.